Just before heading out to dinner last night, I made sure to turn off my lentil soup that was simmering away on the stove.

What’s New Year’s without Lentils?

Because what is New Year’s Eve without legumes???

Legend has it that if one does not consume at least a cup of peas, beans or lentils within 24 hours of the New Year, that he/she is destined to have a year of strife, struggle and poverty.

Ok, I totally made that up.

But there is some sort of folklore, and well, tradition, which has come along with ringing in the New Year with symbolic foods that are said to bring good health and good fortune. Among these are beans, greens and ham.

And let me tell you, after the 2013 mom a la mode has had, our family could use a heaping helping of both. More on that in another post.

I’m here now to talk food, and specifically, New Year’s Day food.

For as long as I can remember, my mother has been painstakingly swallowing pickled herring at the stroke of midnight, while clutching a quarter in her hand – all meant to bring prosperity in the year ahead.

And there was always a pot of lentil soup on the stove, typically on New Year’s Eve, however sometimes on New Year’s Day. That is, of course, if there was room for a soup pot amongst the other pots cooking up a pork roast dinner of some sort.

Our typical New Year’s Day fare has consisted of a pork roast of some type – from fresh, roasted pork with sauerkraut and red cabbage to spiral sliced ham to – cue the horns – a crown roast of pork.

This year, I am making a smoked shank ham, complete with cloves, pineapple and a Pioneer Woman ham glaze that is down-home scrumptious and easy-as-pie to make.

Just out of the oven…

Rounding things out is my go-to green: kale, simply sautéed in sliced garlic, EVOO and a shot of chicken broth with some sea salt and fresh cracked pepper.

Here’s to your health and prosperity!

So Pork – check.

Beans – check.

And Greens – check.

Looks like we’re starting off 2014 right!

What are your New Year’s Eve/Day foodie traditions? Do you subscribe to the folklore of “advantageous eating?” Please share in the comments below.

Wishing you all the best in food, fun, family and everything fabulous in 2014!

oxox

-mom a la mode

{I was not compensated in any way for this post. All opinions expressed here are solely mine.}